A Detailed Guide to Laojun Mountain Day Trip (with Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps)

——Learn how to explore this Taoist fairyland in 3 minutes, saving money, time, and taking stunning photos! 🌟 Transportation Options 1⃣ Group Tour (Recommended!) ✅ Advantages: Departing from Luoyang, including round-trip transportation + entrance ticket + first-level cable car, the total price is about CNY 256, saving CNY 40 on shuttle bus + CNY 18 on ticket price difference. Three departure times available: morning/midday/evening: Morning (6:30 departure, 16:30 return) is suitable for pure sightseeing; Midday (9:40 departure, 20:00 return) allows for sunset + night view lighting; Evening (10:40 departure, 20:00 return) is suitable for those who prefer a later start. ✅ Meeting points: Luoyang Railway Station, Yingtian Gate, Longmen High-speed Railway Station, direct access to the cable car entrance. 2⃣ Self-driving/Bus Navigate to "Yunjing/Yungu Cable Car Entrance" to save CNY 14 on shuttle bus; Bus tickets cost CNY 38-50, with a 2.5-hour journey, but require a transfer to the shuttle bus. 🌄 Must-See Attractions 1⃣ Golden Summit Taoist Temple Complex The heart of Laojun Mountain! The Golden Palace, Jade Emperor Peak, and Liangbao Terrace shimmer in the sunrise/sunset, and resemble a heavenly palace after lighting up (lighting time: 17:40-18:20). 📸 Photo spots: Low-angle wide shots from the edge of the Golden Summit (to capture the sea of clouds), panoramic view from Nantian Gate. 2⃣ Ten-Mile Painting Gallery Cliffside plank road + karst peak forest, changing scenery with every step, hiking is recommended (approx. 1.5 hours). 📸 Best photo spots: Overlooking the abyss from the glass viewing platform, the sea of clouds and peak forest at the exit of the Fairyland Tunnel. 3⃣ Sea of Clouds and Sunrise Best viewing points: Mazong Ridge (altitude 2217m), Funiu Mountain main peak. ⏰ Time: Check your phone's weather app for sunrise time, the sea of clouds is most dreamy 1 hour before/after sunset. 🗺 One-Day Itinerary ⏰ Timeline (based on the midday departure): 9:40 Depart from Luoyang → 12:20 Arrive at the scenic area → Take the first-level cable car (essential!) → Zhongtian Gate; 13:00 Hike/take the second-level cable car to Ten-Mile Painting Gallery → Fairyland Tunnel → Mazong Ridge → Golden Summit; 16:30 Descend the mountain (second-level cable car one-way down: CNY 40, hiking: approx. 40 minutes) → 20:00 Return. ❗ Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps 1⃣ Cost-saving Tips Entrance ticket: CNY 100, half price with a group tour (CNY 50); the first-level cable car is a must-buy (round-trip CNY 130), the second-level cable car is recommended for one-way uphill (CNY 14). ❌ Don't bring instant noodles! Hot water is charged on the mountain, just buy the CNY 57 eggplant and tomato instant noodles. 2⃣ Equipment Recommendations Wear non-slip hiking shoes + light down jacket (the summit is 8℃ colder than the foot of the mountain), bring a thermos, and a power bank. Buy prayer plaques at the foot of the mountain (bargain for CNY 5), choose bamboo walking sticks (CNY 1/stick). 3⃣ Time Management The cable car stops operating at 15:30, descend before 14:00 at the latest; the night view lighting lasts only 40 minutes, so find a good spot in advance. 📸 Outfit and Photography Tips Bright-colored hiking jackets/Hanfu: Red, white, and yellow are eye-catching against the sea of clouds, Hanfu paired with a bamboo umbrella creates a martial arts style. Backlighting: Capture silhouettes of the Golden Summit during sunrise and sunset with side backlighting for a great atmosphere! Props: Rent cloaks at the summit for CNY 20/hour, LED string lights enhance the night view. ✨ Additional Tips: The snow scenery from March hasn't melted yet, this weekend is the last chance to see it! Drones require prior registration, and are prohibited in certain areas of the Golden Summit.